John MacArthur, a popular religious writer of the recent past wrote, “We live obviously in a society that knows little about forgiveness. We live in a society that cares little about forgiveness. In fact, I would think that one of the major contributors if not the major contributor to the destruction of relationships in our culture is the absence of forgiveness.”
In last week’s blog, I urged us to build bridges of acceptance and reconciliation rather than fences, separating ourselves from others with whom we disagree or do not like. Such bridges are never easy to build and must be built with the right kind of lumber.
It is biblical to think of the bridge’s beams and flooring being “forgiveness” wood. This is the same sturdy, enduring wood that built the cross on which Jesus was crucified. Hanging on that cross and with the words, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” Jesus built an amazing bridge of grace and forgiveness, because he loved us and wanted to reconcile us to himself.
We see in Jesus’ crucifixion how building a “forgiveness bridge” to another can be very painful and sacrificial. But we also know from Jesus’ life and teaching that it is the only bridge that can adequately cross the divide and make possible a reconciliation between us and others.
Building a “forgiveness bridge” may appear too difficult or impossible. But Corrie ten Boom offers a different perspective. She likens “forgiveness” to simply letting go of the bell rope.
Corrie ten Boom reminds us that if we ever have seen a country church with a bell in the steeple, we will remember that to get the bell ringing we need to tug awhile. Once the bell has begun to ring, we merely maintain the momentum by continuing to pull the rope. As long as we keep pulling, the bell keeps ringing. And likewise, it is with “forgiveness.”
Corrie says, “Forgiveness is letting go of the rope. It is just that simple. But, when you do so, the bell keeps ringing. Momentum is still at work. However, if you keep your hands off the rope, the bell will begin to slow and eventually stop. It is like that with forgiveness. When you decide to forgive, the old feelings of unforgiveness may continue to assert themselves. After all, they have lots of momentum. But if you affirm your decision to forgive, that unforgiving spirit will begin to slow and will eventually be still. Forgiveness is not something you feel, it is something you do. It is letting go of the rope of retribution.”
Most importantly, Jesus makes it clear that the “forgiveness bridge” we build to cross over, accepting and restoring relationship with the other, is the same bridge that he, Jesus, will cross over in returning to forgive and reconcile us to himself. Many Christians seem ignorant of this critical teaching from Jesus.
When the disciples asked Jesus how to pray, he included this phrase; “And forgive us our debts (sins), as we also have forgiven our debtors (those who sin against us).”
Then Jesus adds this emphasis to the above request for forgiveness; “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” There is a loud “if” in his teaching.
And again, Jesus emphasizes this “if” in his answer to Peter’s question, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” After telling a parable about an unmerciful servant, Jesus concludes with his answer, This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” (Matthew 18:21-35).
There is no wiggle room in Jesus’ response to Peter’s question as Peter had hoped. Nor does Jesus limit the need to forgive only to those who commit unjust or violent (sinful) behavior toward us. Why? Because God regards all contentious, divisive arguments and behaviors as sinful. This is clearly heard in his several commands to love our neighbor as ourselves and to love and do good to our enemies?
This is how the apostle Paul understood Jesus’ teachings, as seen in his letter to the Ephesian Christians, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32). And to the Christians in Colosssae, “Bear with each other and forgive one another is any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13).
Because God created us uniquely different human beings, we are prone to disagree with the beliefs and/or behaviors of others. And our defensive arguments frequently cause us to build fences that divide and disassociate us from others, rather than build bridges of forgiveness, acceptance, and reconciliation. Why? What if Jesus treated us that way?
<><><><><>
“Healing Rays of Righteousness” – August 11, 2023
Ray M. Geigley
Healing Rays of Righteousness 
Leave a comment